The Cost Benefit Analysis of Nutrition Intervention During Pregnancy in Bangladesh

Nutrition

Bangladesh has had incredible success fighting hunger, but national rates of malnutrition are still very high. Stunting is a particular concern as it affects about 6 million Bangladeshi children under age five. The condition decreases cognitive development, leads to worse health outcomes and school performance, and lowers productivity throughout adult life. Fortunately, research indicates that this tragedy can be mitigated through micronutrient nutrition supplements given to young children and pregnant mothers. Similarly, supplements given during pregnancy can decrease the chance of stillbirth and undersized infants, as well as reducing pre-eclampsia and lowering the chances of anemia and birth defects.

Proposed Strategies

Strategy

Takas of benefits per taka spent

Nutrition & micronutrients, ½-5 year olds

19

Iron and folic acid in pregnancy

27

Balanced protein energy in pregnancy

17

Calcium in pregnancy

12

Reduce Childhood Stunting Through Micronutrient Supplements

New Research by Jonathan Rose, a research advisor with the South Asian Institute of Advanced Legal and Human Rights Studies, examines programs to fight malnutrition by delivering nutrients and micronutrients to young children and pregnant mothers.

Bangladesh has experienced a decline in stunting rates over time, though the rate remains high."

Healthier mothers for a brighter future

In a series of op-eds published in The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, Bjorn Lomborg outlined the key findings of the path-breaking research produced by the Bangladesh Priorities project.

Stunting decreases cognitive development, leads to worse health outcomes and school performance, and lowers productivity throughout adult life. It is especially harmful to Bangladesh, because about 6 million children under age five are stunted."

What do you think?

Each of these supplements could benefit pregnant women, but the analysis shows that iron and folic acid is by far the most cost-effective strategy, allowing more people to be helped, given limited resources. Where would you choose to spend valuable resources if you were in charge and wanted to do the most good for Bangladesh? We want you to continue the conversation about how to do the most good for every taka spent by participating in our Facebook poll.